Chapter seven

The delegation from the Hinahan Republic finally came as well. Their entourage was of about twenty people. They did not have nobility, yet they could not be defined as commoners.

The only Republic on the continent was not much bigger than a County in Saol, but Princess Cassiopeia decided to invite them regardless.

Although small, the Hinahan Republic contained the biggest diamond mines in the continent, and pretty much had the monopoly on the element.

It was not like they did not try to conquer it, in fact, everyone had their phase of domination over the area. Anyhow, since every two years or so one of them obtained the government, trade was hard to establish and the mining did not proceed smoothly. Thus, they decided to make it an independent state, governed by no one. Every citizen voted for everything, reunited in the Great Hall.

A Council of elected thirty decided the matters of discussion presented to the population, and an assembly of ten magistrates ruled over any dispute.

Such a system was only possible on such a small territory.

The population was neutral and only followed its own interest. Most of them were literate, as the Hinahan Republic also hosted the greatest Academy of the continent.

Prince William, Princess Cassiopeia's brother, had studied there from the age of five to the age of fifteen, when he had to come back for the death of his relatives. Anyhow, many students never left the Academy, and instead kept working on research and teaching. Moving there permanently allowed them to vote. The votes thus did not come from uncultured peasants, but literally scholars, magistrates, doctors and experts from all around the continent. Miners could also vote, but with their almost slave-like living conditions they rarely did.

The twenty members of the delegation were fifteen Council members and five magistrates.

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"Your Highness, Lord Maler has sent you a letter."

"A letter?" Asked Cassiopeia confused.

She opened it right away. The Southern wing was not that far from her office.

Dear Princess Cassiopeia,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits.

The only reason why I am writing to you is because I do not wish to waste your time with my presence.

Thank you for your brooch. The soldiers allowed me to visit the garden as much as I wanted.

Warm regards,

Lord Wolfgang.

She smiled. How sweet. The princess wondered if she should pay him a visit, but then opted otherwise.

"Lord Neus", she called her aide. The man stepped forward.

"Have a rose bouquet delivered to Lord Wolfgang's quarters."

"I shall do so right away, Your Highness. Would You like to include a card?"

She took one from the drawers of her desk.

I'm glad. Hope the roses are to your liking, -C.

She handed it to the Lord, who carefully took it and got out of the room.

She was grateful to both him and Lord Chamberlain. Without them, internal affairs would have been handled much more slowly. They were patient teachers, and especially Lord Chamberlain overworked himself to fill in where she still lacked. They really did want the best for the Empire.

Lord Wolfgang proved to be less useful than what the Princess expected. From the background check she ordered, it emerged that he had no particular ties in Lyodiya, not with the nobles nor with his family. Perhaps a few friends here and there, not one noteworthy. He had no special talent nor hobby, and was described as a hermit.

She began to notice a pattern in her concubinus.

Why were they all social recluses? Was it that she had a type?

She did like pretty boys, that was for sure. As for recluses, she was not so sure. She needed capable members. Besides Lord Asher, who she would marry to save from an unfair marriage, she needed to look more into Lord Dorkas.

Her informants had given her too little details, but he did not seem completely useless. At least, he was the heir of one of the most powerful ducal families. She wondered if he too bore the gift of his father and the one before him.

Skimming through the letters she received, most noble ladies were sending their congratulations and condolences.

Lady Claudette, Lady Coubert, Lady Leanne... All her friends in high society sent her a letter.

They must all be surprised that the Princess will take the place of the Emperor. All but Lady Maria and Lady Deanna. They were the only ones who visited. It was normally considered rude for a lady to show up unannounced, especially in the mourning period, but as her closest friends they "could not avoid it", as Maria said.

Lady Deanna was the only daughter of Marquess Nister, while Lady Maria was the twelfth child (out of thirteen) of Count Orcas.

She was grateful for her friends.